What This Document Is
This student activity centers on the molecular genetics behind coat color variation in rock pocket mice. It explores how natural selection acts on genetic mutations, specifically focusing on the *Mcir* gene and its role in determining pigmentation. The document is designed to accompany a short film, “The Making of the Fittest: Natural Selection and Adaptation,” and provides a framework for investigating the genetic basis of adaptation to different environments.
Why This Document Matters
This activity is crucial for Biology I students (BIOL 1500) at Nova Southeastern University seeking to understand the connection between genotype and phenotype, and how evolutionary pressures drive genetic change. It’s used during lab sessions to reinforce concepts of gene mutation, protein function, and natural selection. Understanding these principles is foundational for further study in genetics, evolution, and molecular biology.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This document provides the *context* for understanding the molecular genetics of coat color, but it does not independently teach the core concepts of molecular biology or genetics. Students will need prior knowledge of DNA, genes, and protein synthesis to fully benefit from the activity. It also doesn’t provide the answers to the questions posed within the activity – those are discovered through analysis and the accompanying film.
What This Document Provides
The full document includes: an introduction to rock pocket mice and their adaptation to different environments; a detailed explanation of the *Mcir* gene and its function in pigment production; descriptions of different types of gene mutations (substitution, insertion, deletion) and their potential effects on protein structure (silent, missense, nonsense); and a procedure for analyzing the genetic code. *This preview* only provides an overview of the document’s scope and purpose. It does *not* include the genetic code chart, the full procedure, or the questions designed to guide student analysis.
